I got a pretty exciting package from my mom recently: A container of my grandfathers' Christmas cards from 1955. These aren't personal Christmas cards, but rather leftover cards from my grandfather's failed attempt at starting a greeting card company a few years after WWII. Here is a picture of the original Bradwick McGinty from around that time.
My dad said that instead of going to church on Sundays, my grandfather would often go "Irish fishing," which entailed leaving before sun-up and returning late in the day with a bunch of stones. My father was never allowed to go with him, because he was half woman (on his mother's side).
Anyway, that picture wasn't in the package. But this one was:
A few years after my Grandfather returned from the war he decided to start a greeting card company. Armed with one terrible idea and no artistic ability whatsoever, he turned to someone he had met during the war for help, a young Japanese solider he had shot in the face named Haruo. My grandfather spoke no Japanese, and Haruo spoke no English, so how they actually got together is beyond me or anyone else in my family. The idea involved creating American-style greeting cards for both the Japanese and the American markets. It also required Haruo to create all the artwork and handle all of the printing. My grandfather would simply mail Haruo photos of what he wanted, and Haruo would see to the rest. The above picture was taken in the office of my grandfather's lawyer. An interesting side note is that my grandfather had to travel all the way to Grantville, Georgia to use a "colored" lawyer, due to the fact that the Irish were considered "colored" in Georgia until 1963.
The story of my grandfather's failed card company was pretty well known in my family. My grandfather always insisted that it ruined his life and was the cause of his "whiskey fits." Not only did he blame Haruo for the fiasco, but all of Japan for his financial ruin. He even went as far as to contact the Irish Press in 1956 with a completely fictitious tale about being swindled out of his money while trying to stop a Japanese murder plot against the Pope.
No one in the family had ever seen any of the cards that were produced. It was thought that my grandfather set fire to all of the cards (and the boat) the moment they arrived in the states. That is, until my mom stumbled upon this ammo case in the attic:
I can't even tell you how excited I was to finally see the cards that "killed my grandfather" and drove my family into extreme poverty. I actually think Haruo did a pretty good job interpreting my grandfather's original sketch, considering the severely confusing nature of his drawing. It's anybody's guess as what my grandfather expected to get back, but needless to say it wasn't this beautiful card:
Why not make my grandfather happy and send some of these cards to your friends and family this holiday season? That's right, I'm offering what is left of my grandfather's hopes and dreams for a mere $5!

Justin- That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said about me. Thanks so much. I owe a lot of that to you, for getting me on dribble. I never realized how many good artists there were out there. Felt like I really needed to step it up. Hopefully we can all keep each other in check and help support each others projects.

Brad, Justin posted this link this morning, and between my sister and me, we’ve ordered 22 of your grandfather’s cards. Not only that, but it’s led me to discover your work on this website. Truly, your grandfather’s work is now a gift that keeps on giving, and it’s great to see that the talent you now possess definitely has its roots in your family!

Also, my sister said she plans to make a three dimensional sculpture of this design so that Stomach Prince may grace our family’s Christmas displays for many years to come.

Thanks Michael! I got an order or two form that board. That board is great. I love looking at old Kaiju. I think I have spent half my life staring at Coop’s Kaiju collection on Flickr. If you haven’t seen those photos hunt them down! Amazing collection.

Woooo! Ordered the twenty bones special 😀 Finally a Christmas card that my friends will truly appreciate! And with a few left over to decorate our house. Maybe strung together as some kind of banner for our fireplace mantle? Can’t wait for these to arrive!

Oh em gee these are AMAZING! Thank you so much sharing them with us! I can’t wait to send these out for the holidays, along with the story of how they came to be (^o^)/ If you’re grandfather were making these today, he’d be living large! Best. Christmas card. EVER!

These cards are just wonderful. I have been on a very long search for just the right Christmas cards to fit our theme. Our decoration scheme is “A Japanese Christmas” this year. My husband and I lived in Japan for several years and accumulated a collection of crazy and interesting Japanese holiday decor. In Japan as long as it lights up or sparkles it’s fair game for Christmas. These cards will be the cherry on top to our holiday festivities. I can’t wait for them to arrive.

Psssst… just between me and you I heard
Haruo’s grandson just found a pile of these
postcards among his grandfathers’ ninja
star collection is trying to sell them too.
Only difference is the back and the front
sides have been switched with each other.
Thought you’d like to know.

Just ordered some of these, they are as beautiful and touching as the story about them. I can hardly wait to see the expression of delight people will surely have upon receiving such a heartfelt holiday greeting.

Yeah, I had to cut off the sketches. I got too many orders. I offer sketches for early orders mostly. Keep an Eye out though, There is another chance to get some christmas elf sketches coming up this week!

They’re in the mail Niki. No worries. You ordered on the 11th, and they were in the mail on the 13th. It will probably take about a week to get to you. I’ve responded to everyone via email who has left a comment about shipping. I just thought I should post a reply here as well. Hopefully people will read this and be comforted. I was a little overtaken with orders for the past few weeks, but have finally caught up. So if you would like to order some cards feel free they will go in the mail box the day you order!

Brad…found on your cards via BoingBoing (or Neatorama?). Just got them in the mail the other day, and they’re badass…I’m regretting not buying more. I guess five lucky friends will be getting the best cards of the year. Thanks, and awesome work!

[…] aged Christmas cards his dipsomaniac passed grandfather attempted to sell decades ago. According to his family lore, Grandpa McGinty collaborated with a Japanese infantryman he met shot during World War II for an […]

[…] aged Christmas cards his dipsomaniac passed grandfather attempted to sell decades ago. According to his family lore, Grandpa McGinty collaborated with a Japanese infantryman he met shot during World War II for an […]

[…] 15 Best Cyber Monday Deals. If you know what you want, today is the day to get your order in. * Are Your Greetings Seasoned? One way to sell Christmas cards is to create a fabulous and funny story about their origin. * 5 Fun […]

[…] 15 Best Cyber Monday Deals. If you know what you want, today is the day to get your order in. * Are Your Greetings Seasoned? One way to sell Christmas cards is to create a fabulous and funny story about their origin. * 5 Fun […]

[…] right? I have no idea! Oh man, have I been busy. First off I want to thank everyone for ordering Christmas cards this year. I’ve never experienced so much positive feedback about any of my stuff before. […]

[…] tables and check out their great variety of hilarious and beautifully illustrated mini-comics. Non-Comics Bonus- Behold the genius of Brad McGinty!Did you happen to see the most beautiful book of 2011, Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand? Well the guy […]

[…] tables and check out their great variety of hilarious and beautifully illustrated mini-comics. Non-Comics Bonus- Behold the genius of Brad McGinty!Did you happen to see the most beautiful book of 2011, Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand? Well the guy […]

[…] First off, here is Kaiju Santa shirt in all it’s glory! This 3-color shirt is based on the Kaiju Santa holiday cards that were created by my grandfather back in 1955. You can read all about them and order reprints here. […]